Tuberville says Gaetz vote depends on if ‘they can prove’ allegations
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.) said he would not support former House Republican Matt Gaetz for attorney general if the sexual assault allegations against him are proven true.
Gaetz was accused of having relations with a 17-year-old minor at a party in 2017.
Tuberville said Gaetz denied any wrongdoing in a conversation last week, as reported by CBS 42 Tuesday.
“Good because if it comes out they can prove something, I’m not going to vote for you,” Tuberville responded.
He added that Gaetz would face complications being confirmed if there’s “anything following him.”
Some Republicans have called on the House Ethics Committee to release their findings publicly while Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said the report should be shared with his committee.
However, Sens. Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) have publicly expressed disdain with President-elect Trump’s pick for the position.
“I don’t think it’s a serious nomination for attorney general. We need to have a serious attorney general,” Murkowski said once the news broke.
“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to consider somebody that is serious.”
Former Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) said Gaetz would not gain the votes needed to be confirmed.
“Look, Gaetz won’t get confirmed,” McCarthy told reporters. “Everybody knows that.”
Members of the House Ethics Committee are slated to meet on Wednesday to determine if they will release the report.
The Hill has reached out to Gaetz for comment.
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